*between 33 and 2007 years old
Yes and the cheese was intelligent designed from some moldy old socks which was all that was available. The wine of course was intelligent designed from water.
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for 11 January 2010
If some 33yo* guy named Jesus gave your 17yo daughter an alcoholic beverage in Mexico how would you react?
The Obama Family and Family Values
In a recent letter to his girls, President Barack Obama wrote: “I want you to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach……” Now that’s a strong message from a father to his daughters.
Some say that the Obamas are the kind of family they would like to be. Michelle has a healthy attitude about parenting that resonates for those with strong family values. And she has talked about her personal struggle of juggling work and kids, not that different from any other ordinary American working mother. More than we might expect, given her training and high-powered career, the division of labor in the marriage has been fairly traditional. Michelle is an involved mom and has said that the wellbeing of her girls comes first.
In their personal relationship, if she’s hard on her husband, it’s because her expectations of everyone are high. But she’s also a realist. When Michelle mentions Barack’s flaws, it’s to make a larger point – not to put the president on a pedestal when no one can fulfill all our fantasies. Both of them think that having one person in control of a problem can only cause more of the same. They see that leadership model as not the way to run a family – or a country. In discussions, Obama is not the only boss. He welcomes engagement and wants to be challenged. And that comes across in the role that Michelle plays.
As Barack tells it, all the men in his life were fragile, but the women could always be relied upon. In his wife, he sees a lot of his grandmother – the practical, no-nonsense woman who raised him. He likes that Michelle insists he be the kind of father he never had. And just as she is a reflection of his values, their partnership is a good indication of the character strengths and listening skills he brings to the White House.
No family always runs smoothly. And there can be problems that aren’t that easy to fix. As you evaluate the kind of support and strategies you need, keep the following tips in mind:
1. Keep your expectations realistic. You may have very clear ideas about how you want your family to be. But realize that every member will have their own way of handling challenges, conflicts and disappointments. Don’t think that what’s a priority for you will be the same for everyone. And remember that the present state of affairs won’t last.
2. Be willing to compromise. With a situation you can’t agree on in a family relationship that matters a lot, take the time to understand both sides of the issue. Validate everyone’s feelings and try to withhold blame. It’s not necessary to excuse bad behavior, but show support for what they’re going through. If in the past you have gone underground and then exploded later, don’t let these feelings fester. Acknowledge the part that you play in the conflict and deal with it. Negotiating an agreement that both of you can live with is often the best way to move on.
3. Set long-range goals about what you want to accomplish as well as short-term objectives that will help you reach them. These concrete plans provide the basic foundation and parameters for change in your partner, your children, your parents and yourself. As you successfully move forward, step by step, your self-confidence will grow. Ongoing action and a positive attitude will motivate you to stay on track and ultimately reach your family goals.
4. Look at your situation and decide what works for you. If you need some time by yourself, be sure to fit that into your plans. When you want to reconnect with your teenagers, plan outings that will appeal to both of you. If your parents are up to it, invite them on a family vacation. Your children will benefit from spending quality time with their grandparents. And it will give you free time and the chance for you and your partner to catch up without distractions.
5. Do what is necessary to maintain familiarity and continuity. If you nurture your family and stabilize their environment, they will feel more secure. The structure in their lives and the support you give them will relieve feelings of anxiety or stress. Children are resilient and, as you model positive thinking and hope, they will thrive. The rewards can be immeasurable for the whole family.
In this administration, with a protective mom in chief, one major focus on the home-front will be the first daughters. The goal of these devoted parents is to help the girls find their way in their new environment. And Michelle’s mom is moving in for now, to provide a constant presence and keep the girls grounded. When asked about the relationship with his mother-in-law, the president, among other things, said: “I don’t tell my mother-in-law what to do.” Doesn’t it sound like our new president is off to a really good start?
© 2009, Her Mentor Center
Phyllis Goldberg, Ph.D. & Rosemary Lichtman, Ph.D. are co-founders of www.HerMentorCenter.com, a website for midlife women and www.NourishingRelationships.blogspot.com, a blog for the sandwich generation. They are authors of a forthcoming book about family relationships and publish a free newsletter, Stepping Stones, through their website. As psychotherapists, they have over 40 years of collective private practice experience.
Will a Military School Help My Child?
In many cases, yes, and in some cases, no. There are several things you need to sort out first and let’s start with the age of your child. We are assuming they are in trouble or causing trouble and if so that needs to be addressed. But is the child the right age for a military school?
That’s the first question because young children are not suited to a full time boarding school run as a military college. On top of that the best help for a youngster comes from their family and sending them away from home is rarely recommended. If they are troubled then they need their folks and any therapy can and should be local and on an out patient basis.
But if they are the right age, a teenager, the next issue is the problem they may have. If your teen is suffering from ADHD or depression or schizophrenia, a military school is not recommended. Again there are other forms of treatment which must be provided but not in or via a military school.
Then there are the issues of drugs, alcohol and other anti-social behavior. Again these issues are not best treated within a military school. In fact military schools are quite fussy about who they admit as students. You see military schools concentrate on academic matters and offer excellent sporting and artistic programs. They are not there to help a troubled teen kick their drug habit.
However, is your teen capable of excellent academic results? Do they need a push into working harder with their studies? Do you want them to develop leadership qualities, a pride in their country and a strong sense of community involvement? Well if so a military school could well be the ideal vehicle for the success of your teen.
Military schools are many and popular. Some turn away prospective students. The reputation of the school is first class and there are many parents who want their child to attend. But there are more applicants than places. In fact there are sometimes too many teens who are ideal candidates for an education in a military school. But don’t be a parent who pushes their reluctant teen towards an education for which your child is not suited or not interested.
Parents should not hesitate to explore all possibilities before considering a military school for their son or daughter. A visit to your family doctor is an ideal starting point. Do you know your teen has a condition which needs treatment? If the family doctor thinks so, your child could be assessed by a specialist. Don’t take anything for granted. The future health and well being of your child is vital. A military school may be perfect for your teen but find out all about the school and your child before you make any decision.
Parents should never dismiss their own skills regarding parenting. A therapist, a military school and other forms of education and/or treatment can all be of benefit but the parents of the child can themselves do a brilliant job in encouraging their son or daughter to overcome any trials and troubles they may be experiencing. Don’t dismiss your own homegrown love and attention.
It Starts and Ends With Ice
Think you’re invincible? Bet I can show you a prison full of individuals who likely thought the same thing. However, they’ll hear the metal bars slam behind them tonight when they turn out the lights and they won’t feel untouchable when the moaning sounds of prison consume them while they drift off to sleep. Chances are if their delusional dreams don’t wake them up during the night, someone else’s nightmares will. This is where crystal meth leads you. Welcome home.
In years past, teens tried pot or coke, possibly popped a few pills and probably had sex before marriage. They lied about where they were going, hid their boyfriend in their closet and drank alcohol right under an unsuspecting parent’s nose. You’re probably thinking, child’s play aren’t you? You’re right, compared to the methamphetamine abusers, drug users of yesterday belong on the jungle gym. Even if they became addicted to alcohol or pills, their addiction was a walk in the park compared to meth addiction.
Let me first tell you that you aren’t so tough just because you’re choosing to play with fire. In fact, let me scare you to death. You will get burned, no scorched, if you step close enough to the fumes of the fire. You won’t be given the chance to back away. One step is all it takes and if you are lucky enough to have a friend on meth, then the flames will encircle you quickly. You’ll never know you’re on the road to hell until you get to the end of it and then, that’s where the fun begins.
You’ll drive yourself insane trying to sort things out in your mind. You’ll experience paranoia like never before. You’ll curse your mother, steal from your siblings, and you’ll call little children names they’ve never heard before. You’ll have scabs on your face and in between your fingers, you’ll sweat profusely and become consumed with where you can find your next fix. And this will be your life on a good day. It gets better.
On bad days, you’ll be chased by the devil, you’ll take down your home’s walls, crash in your television sets, strip down your bed, take apart your refrigerator and you still won’t find the voices. You’ll take out your dashboard in a vehicle, call up a relative and threaten to kill them if they don’t stop the voices and if you’re lucky, the demons you hear will nap for awhile allowing you to doze off to sleep.
When they awake, you’ll be up within minutes and the whole process will start again. You’ll hear your mother, you’ll see your sister, you’ll talk to your dad and then realize no one is there. In fact, no one has been there. You are all alone. This is when you will call everyone up at 3 AM and ask them why they left you without saying good-bye all the while cursing them. Your mind will allow you to believe that your family or friends have been with you laughing and making fun of you. No one has been there but you believe in what meth allows you to see. You see people. You hear people.
What started as fun at a party now forces you to realize, really realize, you were entering into a life you would never be able to depart. Your mother or father won’t be able to save you and your sisters and brothers will be helpless. You’ll be angry at them. You will want to inflict pain on them, emotional or physical, it makes no difference to you.
Gradually, you will take your family down with you because you can and because you’ll refuse to let them find peace without you. Some of your family members will eventually come to the conclusion you would be better off dead and then they will hate themselves because of it. You will systematically destroy each member of your family because you’ll make sure they can not escape you or your problem.
One day, your family will not recognize you at all. Some of your family members will never give up hope, others will despise you for eternity because of the happy years you take away from your family. You will take those years and then, you’ll destroy them. Misery loves company and meth loves misery. You will create a circle of unhappiness for yourself and your family.
If you’re rich, you’ll be poor. If you’re poor, you’ll be lower than a snake’s belly because wherever you are in your life, once you try methamphetamines, your life as you know it will be over. Everything then is down hill until you hit rock bottom. However, rock bottom for meth addicts usually promises one of two things. Prison or the cemetery and both places are ice cold. Irony, sweet irony delivers to you exactly what you deserve, what you wanted and perhaps even asked for by name. However, your family did not.
They didn’t ask to remove all children from the home in the middle of the night because you threatened to kill someone there. They didn’t stand by your side and ask you to try meth. They didn’t make the decision to give up their family, their friends and their life. You made the decision. However, when you made the decision, you made a decision for everyone who loves and cares for you in your life. Often, you made the conscious decision to ruin the lives of everyone who loves you and that may be one of the cruelest aspects of the crystal meth addiction.
Mothers are leaving their children without a second thought. More and more children are raised by their grandparents because their parents are more in love with a fix than with the idea of parenthood. Parents are losing their sons and daughters and families are split. Welcome to the world of meth. Enjoy your ride. It will be one of the best rollercoaster rides you will experience, but only for a very limited time. Then, my friend, meth will walk you through a very wicked haunted forest and you’ll be lucky if you ever leave alive.
Abilify Q&A
Abilify (for my 12 year matured?
I have a 12 yr old daughter. She was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and mood swings. She have to have everything “perfect.” (Goes into a frenzy if one of her sisters has entered her room and touched something when she is out, etc. ) She threatens suicide (yet say she doesn’t want to die), tells her sisters she…
Abilify ??s?
I’m currently with a p-doc that I’m really not happy with at all–but having gone through 4 within the past year, I’m trying to stay put. He is a strict psychopharmacologist–no therapy, 5-minute appointments, etc. And he wants to treat my treatment-resistant OCD and depression (which is possibly bipolar II) with Abilify. And he is starting me out on 5 MG, what he…
Abilify [Aripiprazole]…Who take it or have tried it?
My doctor gave me 5mg Tablets today to try for a while because I didn’t like taking Lithium…[Which he wanted me to take the Abilify and the Lithium together, but I don't want to, lol.] If you’ve tried Abilify, please share me about it. Did it work? What side effects did you get? Etc. Thanks! I was…
Abilify a.k.a. aripiprazole?
my shrink already has me taking limictal and lonazepam relating to my bi-polar* diagnosis. recently, he gave me a lot of sample of abilility for what i can not recall (drugs). i have resisted taking it. not following orders and he is a tad annoyed. thinks i am a bit paranoid, too. anybody have pros or cons about this stuff? i already…
Abilify and immensity gain?
The psych told me after my son gained 20 lbs in 1.5 months on seraquil, we should take abilify? Well he has since gain 10 more lbs on this? He is diagnosed with bi-polar disorder, and ADHD, does anyone have other suggestions? Cureent meds for my nine year old are. Metadate 40 mg for ADHD Zoloft 50…
Abilify and Inderol?
I’m prescribed Inderol to help with a side effect I am having with Abilify. It seem to work, but I’m often more tired than usual on both. Is this normal? They also have me on Clonapin as needed. Paul For my migraine headaches as a kid, I was on a huge amount of Inderal (250 mg. slow-release) day after day!…
Abilify and restlessness?
i know that a common side effect for the medication abilify is an uncomfortable restless feeling. i feel resembling i want to crawl out of my skin i get so restless sometimes. im sleeping fine but during the day is when it really kicks in i guess. if anyone have ever takin it…does this feeling ever go away or will i need…
Abilify and tremors?
YES! Abilify can cause the so called “extrapyramidal” symptoms. You can have tremors, shakes or ticks, or other involuntary movements in some cases. It can also exact some restlessness and muscle stiffness. You can have a tremor only a particular period approaching when you are resting your limb and you can have regular tremors as well. It is IMPORTANT to…
Abilify bipolar?
This is a very good blog, a beginner?? guide to abnormal psychology. Short, clear and simple; and you can even post your question and contact the author about particular subject you are interested in, for FREE http://sensitive-psychoworld.blogspot.co?? I am bipolar and am curently on abilify. I always see my husband as man out of line. I am…
Abilify NEW side effects?
I started taking abilify 10mg, four days ago. Since then, I’ve had UNBELIEVABLE sickness (nasua) and restlessness. The restlessness is NOT good considering I already suffer from Fibromyalgia. One of the side effects I did NOT see on the list at the Abilify website is blurry figment of the imagination or “cloudyness” Every time I blink my eyes, It takes a…
Abilify Question?
I have been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder & Manic Depression. The doctor gave me ABILIFY (ARIPIPRAZOLE)… Have any of you taken this, and if so i own two questions: 1) did it cause weight gain? and 2) what time of day did/do you hold it? Thanks in advance! I have Schizophrenia. I lost weight on Abilify. All antipsychotics should be…
Abilify quiz!?
I have only been taking Abilify for a few weeks (I switched from seroquel, which made me gain weight.) and I own two questions. First, how do you suggest that I combat this restless urge to move all the time (which I’m experiencing as a side-effect of abilify) and is Abilify stronger than seroquel? I ask this because my doctor took me off…
Abilify side affects?
i am on Abilify for schiszophrenia and i am on Luvox for OCD, and i am having bad shakes, feel disoriented, and this other agravating feeling inside that i really can’t discribe. i cannot drive a saloon right noow for it. i have only been on abilify for about 5 days and i be wanting to know wether this is a temporary…
Abilify side effects request for information (I own social anxiety disorder)?
I have been put on Abilify (aripiprazole) for treatment of social anxiety disorder. Since taking this medicine, I’ve been hyper, and have trouble sitting still. In school, I find it hard to concentrate, and to stay in one spot. I just want to draw from up, and run as fast as I can, or…
Abilify side-effects?
I currently take Depakote (1000mg) for headaches and Abilify (10mg) for something vague. The doctor never really told me what it’s for specifically, but I think it’s for paranoia and maybe schitzophrenia. Shortly after starting the Abilify, I became very sleepy. I would sleep 9 or so hours a day and still be groggy. The doc cut my dose…
ABILIFY USERS for bipolar , does abilify increased your appetite,does it breed you gain counterweight?
I doubt the rumours about its weight neutral property…So how is it? – Hi. My name is Sarah and I am a individual with bipolar. I have not used Abilify – I am able to use lithium in need weight gain. However, both…
Abilify vs Geodon – which is best?
Abilify was giving me vision problems, so my doc switched me to Geodon. What can you tell me about the latter, especially as it compares to the former (which I like, except for the blurriness part!). THanks. – I’ve had both. I like Geodon much better. Abilify gave me restless legs syndrome…sort of a…
Abilify vs. Zyprexa for OCD: which is more powerful? how do the side effects compare?
A relative, who has obsessive-compulsive disorder (recurring thoughts that he can’t suppress), is choosing between Abilify and Zyprexa for treatment. I need accurate information that would help him choose. Specifically, how do the side effects of these drugs compare? and how does their effectiveness against OCD…
Abilify, Does anyone appropriate it, what do you mull over?
I have recently been prescribed it for mood disorders. Is it addicting? I know its not a controlled substance, neither is paxil. And when I miss a couple of doses of that I am a ball of tears on the floor no i dont take it,,,i take something else i would…
Abilify, Wellbutrin and Inderal?
My psychiatrist has me on Wellbutrin, Abilify and Inderal. I would like an opinion on what those medications are primarily for and why I am on them? Paul Well it seem resembling you are being treated for bipolar disorder and an anxiety disorder. Often most bipolar patients find themselves taking at least two if not up to five different…
Abilify…who’s tried it?
I have Bi Polar Disorder and my doctor gave me 5mg Tablets today to try for a while because I didn’t like taking Lithium…[Which he wanted me to transport the Abilify and the Lithium together, but I don't want to, lol.] If you’ve tried Abilify, please tell me about it. Did it work? What side effects did you get? Etc. Thanks! …
Abilify: anti schitsophrenic drug and side affects?
Is there any side effects to drinking alcohol with this drug, or how does it way up to similiar drugs in it’s pasture. I am new to taking it and it doesn’t actually mention alcohol on the product information page. I also have weak eyes is within any better drug to take as it also says “may…
Abilify?
I’ve been living (and functioning) with bipolar disorder for 3 years now, and recently my doctor asked me if I would approaching to switch the medication that I am on (an extended release Lithium) to Abilify. I had never heard of it before, and am was a short time ago wondering if anyone knows anything about it, or if anyone is currently being…
Abilify-weight gain or not?
please tell me your honest opinion as to whether or not Abilify really has a side effect of gaining bulk or not. Because I’m only taking 2.5 miligrams of this stuff 2 times a day and it’s caused me to eat more than I in general do. Please no harsh answers. Not with my son, the weight gain…
Acne, bulk gain near Abilify?
Has anyone out there seemed to experience blotchy skin or acne along with swelling or edema on Abilify? It’s supposed to be weight colourless but it seems to make me so hungry plus continue to swell up. also I started to have traceable acne around the same time I started taking it. Any of those things…
Does the unknown bipolar med, Abilify variety you gain weightiness?
A family member took Abilify. It did not make her gain weight. Ever consider Lamictal? Great results beside little or no side effects. NO weight gain!! I have found that most anti psychotics make me gain weight but I own had heard good things about ablify. Weight is a…
Does topamax work all right for bipolar?
Never used it for my bipolar I use it for my migraines I use Wellbutrin, Depakote, and Abilify for my bipolar (I have an extreme form of bipolar) i personally own not taken this drug, it is comonly used for migrane headaches but i have a friend who does take it for bi polar and she says…
I’ve a moment ago started taking Abilify and I’m worried give or take a few the side affects, can I die? Advice pls?
I’m 20 yrs old and I have schizophrenia I have been on Abilify for two weeks very soon and so far the sickness has stopped but I have loads of other side affects, I don’t sleep and I have to take…
Just started Lamictal, panicky?
I just started Lamictal two nights ago. I was already on Abilify and Respirdal already in olden times two months, and stopped each one out of the blue because I felt like I was getting worse (depressed severely for no adjectives reason–worse than before I took them). What’s going on with me? I felt like I considered necessary to cry all…
Just started taking Abilify and I cannot sit still! Help!?
My doctor discontinued my sertraline (zoloft) about a week ago and switched me to abilify because i was diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder. I have be on it for a week andnow I cannot sit still! I can’t lay in my bed for more than five minutes, and i feel pretty weak. My mood has…
More Abilify questions please visit : DrugsFreeFAQ.com
Lessons From the Life Classroom, a Grandfather’s Legacy
Many lasting life lessons are not academic, but are the soul’s spiritual lessons for growth through adversity. These are moments of transformation and illumination felt deeply as you are in alignment with a universal higher and greater power.I was honored to witness many of these lessons through my daughter, during the final days of my stepfather’s life.
Treasuring my daughter from the moment he knew she would arrive, we all saw their special connection. As Parkinson’s disease and strokes began robbing him of independence and his tremendous intellect, she was eleven. She had lived through her parent’s divorce, moving, my Mom’s cancer and her father’s suicide. I wondered if she would protect her already fragile heart, or be open and vulnerable by loving him through his full lifespan.
Seeing him as the precious grandparent he had always been, through more than 2 years of hospitalizations and nursing home stays she lit up his face with every visit. After wheeling her new bike up to the second floor of the nursing home to show her Dan-Dan, she proudly rode it right out the front door! My daughter creatively included him in her life, and as she adapted, found her love still fit.
During our last Christmas together my stepfather struggled to share his last advice for her to “take advantage of every opportunity”. A simple message,it reflected his life philosophy. After the holidays, his life’s journey was nearing an end, and hard decisions for end of life measures brought anguish for my Mother.From three hours away, the stress of being apart was enormous, and weekend visits and late night phone calls left us living on edge.
Then came a mid-week call indicating that the time was near; sleeping more than awake, doctors said soon he would only sleep away. School was concerned about absences,but we knew we had to go, as we knew the pricelessness of closure, and the empty pain of having none.
The bright blue February day contrasted with the grayness of the pain we felt; we had lived through the death of my ex-husband, and knew what my 75 year old Mom was soon to endure.Entering the hospital room felt like we had entered a different dimension; it was not the setting but the circumstance that felt alien. This was not what life should come to, not a life well-lived in service to others. Our hope was for a meaningful and memorable visit, but I saw that we had entered a different form of “life classroom”.
He was no longer hooked up to tubes he hated but seemingly unaware of our presence; we learned that he had been awake the day before. Perhaps we had missed the opportunity for him to know our goodbye. Uneasy, but staying close, my daughter hated seeing him so thin, his white hair not so clean. Together we gently washed it one last time, and like always, she gently put lotion on his thin skin.I watched her care for her “Dan- Dan”, much as he had cared for her as an infant,her eyes filled with love and acceptance. Life is a full circle!Loving them both, it was almost more than I could bear as I witnessed the essence of my child truly loving another soul, just as they are.
My stepfather had spent his life striving for perfection in all he attempted, to “earn” or deserve acceptance. Even a masters degree in divinity, chemistry, and physics, and a doctorate in education did not lessen his drive to prove himself worthy. Giving thousands of hours in public service, as a spiritual, personal, community and professional role model, he was not satisfied that he had done enough. He always graded himself slightly short, denying his Parkinson’s diagnosis for as long as possible, and embarrassed as he lost strength and balance.
The purpose and meaning of his experience had been a topic of private discussions between us as I suggested his illness was a way for him to be humbled enough to finally love and accept himself. He knew intellectually that grace is a gift and not a pre-paid plan, and I reminded him that he was perfect as he was, with a wheelchair or hospital bed. Now I was saying goodbye to a man truly humbled, and still loved beyond measure. Was that not Grace? Did he feel it in his heart?
Moreover, his long illness had shown my daughter growing in grace, patience, compassion and love. She had come to see love as not only good times, like playing catch, helping with homework, or coming to watch school plays and basketball games. Loving now encompassed loving someone even when pared down to the very essence of life, vulnerable and fragile. Since her Dad’s death, she understood why love is to be treasured and never taken for granted.
Now, it was time to head home. My stepfather had been lightly awake at times, and hopefully he had heard us tell him how much we loved him. I whispered in his ear a wish to let me know when he “got where he was going”,to let me know if he and my husband were together again. (They had been great buddies,sharing a sense of humor unique to their relationship.)
As we neared the door, my daughter turned back for one last try. I believe she needed something she did not get from her Dad, to hear this goodbye. She had encouraged him all afternoon to speak, but he had not spoken in a couple of days. I ached for her disappointment, and questioned whether I had exposed my child to too much. Had I hurt her in trying to help her?
Leaning over the railing very close, she said slowly one more time, “I love you Dan-Dan.” Now awake, I saw he was looking right at her, focusing very intently. We heard a very soft, but clear and precious “…Love …(pause) .. You”. They were the last words that kind, generous and wise man ever spoke, a true gift to a devoted granddaughter who needed that last goodbye so very much.
Almost two years have passed since my stepfather’s death, and tears are hitting my keyboard even now. There is no doubt in my mind that I had the guidance of a higher power helping me parent that day and perhaps heal a small part of the ache for her Dad.
We are faced with so many decisions as parents, the sum total of which help to shape who our children are and will become. Yet, many singular decisions made day- to- day, over and over, appear to be of no great consequence. How do we know which decisions are life-changing? If we reflected too greatly on that, we would make no decisions at all!
I often hear parents who are struggling with major life decisions voice a desire to protect and shelter their child, even staying in unhealthy relationships believing it is best for their child. What are we teaching our children in that classroom that is Life? Children are resilient, and wiser and stronger than we imagine. Lessons they take away from observing and living our choices will one day influence the choices they make when it is all up to them.
Listen to your heart. We hear that so much because the messages of the soul offer guidance, whether through prayer, meditation, music or quiet reflection. By appreciating and respecting a child’s spiritual needs, we are able to place them in a path of learning through adversity, or to try to steer them out of the path. Sometimes the best path for their emotional growth is right beside you, learning from you, while you are still able to hold their hand.
My daughter listens to her heart, even if it hurts. She reaches out to help others,such as in comforting cousins as their Mom was suddenly dying. She sat by her Aunt’s hospital bed to tell her goodbye when others were hesitant to enter that hospital room, taking my Aunt’s hand, and saying goodbye. Her sensitivity and compassion have helped a close friend who recently lost her brother in a car accident, with an inner wisdom greater than her years.
Would I wish for a less traumatic childhood for her? Of course, but I also trust in a Purpose for us all, and see her growing into a young woman with compassion and a deep capacity for understanding. I know in my heart that she will continue to follow her unique life path in a way that honors and expresses her many special gifts. Guided by her promise to her “Dan-Dan”, I know he is also making sure she takes advantage of that opportunity.
And, if you are wondering, he did let us clearly know when he “got there”.
“No exercise is better for the heart than reaching down to lift up another.” Tim Russert
How to get my daughter to drink cows milk in sippy cup?
I just started giving my 12 month old cows milk. She doesn’t like it in her sippy cup, but will totally drink it in a bottle. She is so great with her sippy cup with water. I give her a bottle 2 times a day with 1 oz of formula and about 5 oz of milk. I only give her a bottle with water at night time. Any suggestions on how to get her to drink milk out of sippy cup?
How to Grow Black Hair: African American Hair Care Tips
This article is a must read if you want to grow longer hair, or even stop hair loss. No matter how many products or treatments you have tried, hair growth can be achieved despite years of stunted hair growth, shedding, and hair trauma. Trust me, I am speaking from personal experience. About three years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Unfortunately, one of the side effects of my medications and chemotherapy was hair loss and balding. Devastated by having patches of hair on my head, during recovery, I did what most people do—I bought wigs. At first, the wigs seemed like a perfect solution. But, they were really a cover up. Moreover, my niece would scream when she saw me because she couldn’t recognize me with my “new wig.” So, I begin using hair loss products in hopes to regrow my hair. Unfortunately, this was another unsuccessful venture. Rogaine. DHT Blockers. Minoxidil. All of these products failed to perform what they promised. Further, I spend hundreds of dollars on Minoxidil every month, only to have no hair growth and a sore scalp. Frustrated, I decided that there had to be a method or some natural product available that would grow my hair, stop my shedding, and stop my balding. Believe it or not, I found one. However, there are some things you need to know about hair loss before I tell you what worked for me.
What Causes Hair Loss?
Hair loss, shedding, and balding occurs for several reasons. They may occur because of heredity, diet, lifestyle choices, or prescribed medications. Even your hair care products and styling techniques may be facilitating your hair loss or stunting your hair growth. If you are like me, a combination of these factors may be retarding your hair growth. If your diet is laden with fats, alcohol, sugars, and junk foods, you are actually inhibiting your hair’s ability to grow. If you buy most, if not all, of your hair care products from traditional stores, you are most likely buying a hair-damaging useless product. Most hair care products, including most of those that claim to be “all-natural,” contain synthetic emulsifiers and harsh detergents, such as Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Phosphates, and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. Unfortunately, these products are loaded with toxins and chemicals that actually dry and strip your hair of vital nutrients it needs to grow.
How to Grow Your Hair, Stop Balding, and Stop Hair Loss?
You have to attack hair loss on the inside and the outside. A great hair growth regimen has three necessary components: a healthy eating plan, substantial water intake, and a high quality hair growth and hair care product.
Step One: A Healthy Hair Eating Plan
Your hair is all protein. Thus, you need a protein rich diet, chocked fill of B Vitamins and other hair-strengthening nutrients. Increase your intake of fish. It is full of healthy proteins and essential fatty acids and natural oils your hair needs. In addition, drink a protein supplement or shake everyday. If you follow this plan, not only will your hair grow, but you will also lose weight. That is, of course, if you lay off the junk food. Remember, I warned you too much junk food above.
Step Two: Drink Water
Eight to ten glasses of water is an absolute requirement. Drinking water flushes your body of toxins, chemicals, and impurities that stifle your hair growth and disrupt your hormone and enzyme imbalances. Water also transports the important nutrients your body needs throughout your body. Hate drinking water? Add lemon and Splenda to have a healthy, tasty alternative.
Step Three: Buy a High Quality Hair Growth Product
I suggest you go all-natural. Unnatural hair care products are a no-no for someone who wants long-lasting, healthy hair growth. Find a hair growth product that contains powerful essential oils, natural herbs, and vitamin rich nutrients your hair needs to survive. Look for products with ingredients such as: Aloe Vera, Citrus Fruits, Jojoba, Rosemary, and Sage. Make sure you stray away from all natural products that use natural extracts. Extracts are not as powerful as essentials oils. They are a cheap substitute for the real thing. Although there are several natural hair care products on the market, not all hair growth products are created equal. Make sure you read the fine print. Most “natural” products still contain phosphates, sodium lauryl sulfate, petroleum, mineral oil, and other lab created humectants that ultimately damage your hair. My advice—if you can’t read the ingredients, don’t buy the product. When I was searching for a natural hair growth product, I found one really great buy, Beauty 4 Ashes Super Hair Growth System. Finding this company took me awhile; but Beauty 4 Ashes pretty much gives you everything you need to make your hair grow. Foremost, I checked the ingredient listings and the products contained no artificial ingredients. The system also included hair growth vitamins, a great hair healthy eating plan, and even scalp stimulating hair growth exercise routine. At first, the system may seem a bit pricey, but, boy was I impressed with the results. In 9 months, I went from patches of hair to hair just above my shoulders. Now, I am no product junkie; but I have to tell you that this product is worth the money. It does not cost an arm and leg and it is worth every penny you pay. You can find it easily at www.discoverb4a.com. Also, check for it on Ebay. You may actually find a deal.
US Election 2008 – Would Vote Swing?
A very timely movie, the recent Hollywood flick Swing Vote (2008) tries to capitalize on the ongoing race to US presidential election, with Obama and Mrs Clinton heating things up. The satirical route taken to depict political realities when a nation goes to polls is a kind of wearying as towards the end it focuses more on personal grievance handling than on larger issues.
Greeting us on-screen are Kevin Costner as Bud Johnson and Madeline Carroll as his 5th grade daughter Molly settled in the tiny, impoverished town in New Mexico. A degenerate, barely-employed, drunkard father is persuaded by an intelligent, responsible daughter to vote in the presidential election. The latter in a drunken fit fails to turn up on the D-day and the melodrama heightens thereafter. The clever and politically conscious Molly somehow manages to sneak past the dozing poll officer to cast a vote in the name of her father. However, a machine malfunction leaves the vote half stuck as polling comes to a close.
This is followed by a frenzied rush for Bud’s vote by the hot seat contenders. The camera zooms in on the wretched man’s dwelling and the world waits with bated breath. Who would get the swing vote when it is recast? A new face of political Leviathan raises its head as the hopefuls for presidential vote start jostling to grab Bud’s vote. Political lust, odious pandering, coarse commercials, and mean servility smear the face of civil existence. Good intentions, funny moments, annoying times, political follies and never-ending ambitions - ”Swing Vote” stirs up a cacophony of human realities.
Towards the end, Bud gives a long-winded, grandiloquent speech punctuated by wisdom tooth and honest yearning to bring about some real change against the canvas of US presidential run. The fate of swinging vote, however, remains dangling as the flick disappears in the flower of speech. Nice performance Kevin, after a long hiatus! Wake up all you fellas- Realize the power to make a difference wherever you are!
Musical Instruments Shopping Spree
With each new school year, parents begin a yearly ritual by going on a musical instruments shopping spree with their children. These shopping sprees may last one day, or they may go on for weeks on end with no end in sight. Parents are usually caught unaware by the notice they get about their child’s school curriculum change. The child may not be very happy about being in the school band, but in retrospect, thinks it’s a better alternative than taking a gym class.
On a musical instruments shopping spree, mother’s grab their children and head off to every music store in town, and check every newspaper ad looking for a musical instrument their child could use during the school year that they would be well-suited for. The musical instrument would not have to be brand new either. So, consulting the list of suitable instruments that the school gave her to use as a guide, she continues on with her musical instruments shopping spree.
The musical instruments shopping spree took her clear across town in the middle of rush hour traffic. By the time she entered a music store recommended to her by a friend, she was frazzled. The selection of instruments that matched her list were quite expensive, but there were several that qualified for a student rental program. She made a note of that offering, and continued to another location to check prices.
The next stop on her musical instruments shopping spree, landed her in a resale shop that had two instruments in the front window. Weathered by the sun, the cases looked a bit dry, but the price on the instrument, a flute, was within her price range. They did not have anything that her daughter wanted to play. She cleared the purchase with her son, who did not have a problem with playing the flute in the school band. His viewpoint was that he would be able to at least sit down during every concert. She made the purchase and scratched one shopping item off her list.
She asked her daughter what instrument she wanted to play. Her daughter wanted to play a guitar, or maybe some drums. Her mother suggested that she try a clarinet, and the girl balked at that idea entirely. Her mother stressed that she could try the piano but that would require lessons. Lessons would take away from her social life and that idea was not appealing in the least. The musical instruments shopping spree proceeded to the nearest pawn shop.
There was a set of electronic drums in the middle aisle that showed promise. The price of this set of drums was a bit steep, and the women decided she would try and get them to lower the price. She noticed that there was a cleaning set for a flute in the display case, which included a carry case for a flute. That price was quite reasonable, and when she offered to buy both items, the salesman promptly offered her a $25.00 discount on the drum set. Feeling that she had made a wise purchase the mother helped her daughter carry her drum set to the car.